The mum-to-be must-do: personal shopping at Mamas & Papas

I know, I know. 38 weeks pregnant is NOT the ideal time for a mall trawl, but as you might have gathered from previous posts, I’m in a small (major) bit of denial about the imminent arrival of my second child, which means I’m totally unprepared. And she is due next week. […]

Book vs real life: 37 weeks pregnant

Now, I don’t want to jinx things, but I’m feeling pretty good… 37 weeks pregnant is officially the ‘fully cooked’ stage and if this one comes early, then her lungs should be mature enough to function without help. At my last scan the doctor said her head was down, but she wasn’t […]

Tried and tested: the new Ocarro stroller from Mama & Papas

I consider myself something of a pushchair aficionado. Much like after the summer I spent selling sunglasses when I couldn’t help but check out what shades everyone was wearing (I can still identify a pair of polarised Oakleys at 20 paces), since becoming a mum, I can’t resist eyeing up what wheels fellow […]

Book vs real life: 36 weeks pregnant

I’m not quite at the ‘get this baby out of me NOW’ stage, but at 36 weeks pregnant I’m not far off. Soon I’ll be 37 weeks, and the baby will be fully cooked, which will put my mind at ease somewhat, even though that means I actually have to give birth and […]

How to have a stress-free kid’s birthday party

I hate to break it to you, but there’s no such thing a stress-free kid’s birthday party – but please keep reading, because there ARE things you do, and people you can contact, who can make it considerably less painful. Even if you’re on a budget. At the weekend we celebrated Phoebe’s second […]

Book vs real life: 35 weeks pregnant

This is going to be a quick update, because I really need a nap. And have a two-year-old’s party to organise. What was I thinking…? Highlights of this week included: Discovering the best hot chocolate in Dubai (photo here), which is covered in burnt marshmallows and salted caramel sauce. Can you […]

How I’m overcoming my fear of childbirth

I wouldn’t say I’m a sceptic – I have a few too many Pollyanna moments for that – but I’m definitely prone to the odd eye-roll, side eye and eyebrow raise. There are just some things that just aren’t for me. Simple as that. I’m sure you’re the same. Over two years […]

Book vs real life: 34 weeks pregnant

Let’s start with some context: I’ve just eaten a Mini Cheddar sandwich, followed by a lemon curd yogurt, that’s more of a dessert than breakfast item. This should give you a pretty good idea of my mental state at 34 weeks pregnant. The baby now has hiccups. Her head is VERY low. This […]

Website of the month: Kidore for the best bargains

Hands up anyone who has spent countless hours mall trawling, with kids who don’t want to be there? How about those of you who are always on the look out for good value? And what about the people who are running low on inspiration when it comes to birthday presents and activities for […]

Book vs real life: 33 weeks pregnant

After my doctor’s revelation at last week’s scan (read it here) I’ve had the words ‘very big baby’ haunting every waking moment. And a few dreams too. Thanks to everyone in the Facebook group who was so encouraging with their stories about inaccurate measurements – the reassurances were much-needed! This week has […]

ABOUT ME

I’m Helen Farmer, an editor and journalist, mum to 3-year-old Phoebe and one-year-old Tabitha, wife to Nick and a mummy blogger in Dubai (even though I don’t really identify as one, but I blog, and I’m a mum, so there you go). I’ve been living in the Middle East for the last 10 years, working in books, magazines and broadcasting, shedding some light on the good and bad of life, work and motherhood in the UAE.

ABOUT THE BLOG

The Mothership is for you if you’re a busy, active mum who can’t stand small talk, bad info and twee blogs that make out that mothering is all unicorns and rose petals, instead of admitting that you can love your child so much it terrifies you – while still wanting a night in alone watching The Great British Bake Off with a double G&T or a night out pretending you don’t have children.